Proposed jail bond tops Nov. 6 ballot as early voting begins

This rendering of the proposed jail facilities highlights new features and spotlights existing facilities.

While there are always at least two sides to every argument, there is one thing that both sides of this issue seem to agree on -- Smith County needs a new jail.

With early voting beginning Monday, Oct. 22, Judge Joel Baker, the Smith County Commissioners, Sheriff J.B. Smith and the architects working on the design have been traveling the county through the month of October holding public information meetings for residents in their community environments. The $125 million bond package will be on the Nov. 6 ballot seeking approval of voters throughout Smith County.

Audiences have been taken through the phases planned out to complete the Smith County Justice Complex which, at this time, would include a jail tower, a low-risk facility and a law enforcement building. The plan allows for using several pieces of property already owned by the county.

With a proposed 1,104-bed jail that would be "shelled out" with space for additional beds to be added in the future, Smith County Auditor Ann Wilson has explained the cost of operating this facility. With a larger jail, not only would the county be able to house all of their own inmates but would also be available to house inmates from other counties. Wilson estimates a net profit of $250,000 per year for the county rather than sending county funds elsewhere.

The county is currently paying out an average of $41 per day for each inmate housed in other counties, and the cost of con- struction rises $8 to $12 million for each year the county waits to build, according to Jeff Bradley of HDR Architecture.

"The county is spending $4 million in out-of-county expenses and as demand for space goes up, so does the cost," said Bradley.

Citizens for the Right Jail Plan committee believe that portions of the jail bond proposal are faulty. Along with the cost, those opposing this plan have voiced concern over the placement of the facility. They have stated that it does not allow for future expansion and that the site is land-locked.

During the Whitehouse meeting, Judge Baker addressed this with assurances the there are components built into this plan which allow for expansion, including the opportunity to acquire the Tyler fire station that currents sits just east of the jail.

Baker has also pointed out property that the county already owns that would be used as parking and for after-hours events. When needed, this could be built on to accommodate the need.

Taxes on property valued at $100,000 would increase between $66.41 and $75.5 per year, depending on the length of the financing.

Smith County commissioners have scheduled a public comment meeting on Monday, Oct. 22 on the first floor of the Smith County Courthouse Annex, 200 E. Ferguson St.

Early voting hours for Smith County are Oct. 22-26, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Oct. 27, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Oct. 29-31, 8 a.m. t 5 p.m.; and Nov. 1-2, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Smith County early voting locations include Smith County Annex Building, 200 E. Ferguson, Ste. 500, Tyler (main); Ambassador Baptist Church, 10495 CR 2167, Whitehouse; Heritage Building, 1900 W. Bellwood Rd., Tyler.

Early voting sites in Cherokee County are Courthouse, 502 N. Main, Rusk; A. Frank Smith Methodist Church, 103 Cooper St., Alto; and Senior Citizens Building, 302 S. Bolton, Jacksonville.